Tánaiste Simon Harris Confirms Reopening of Summer Programme Portal for Special Needs Children

Tánaiste Simon Harris announced the reopening of the online portal for the Summer Programme, which provides educational support for children with complex special educational needs during summer holidays. This decision follows widespread concerns from parents and schools that the initial eight-day application window, from May 6 to May 15, was insufficient.

Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton will soon release details of the extension. Schools will be informed today, and the portal is expected to reopen next week. The Summer Programme, also known as 'July Provision', aims to maintain children's routines and reduce learning regression during school breaks.

Historically, the application window for the scheme, which can be school-based or home-based, was two weeks or more. This year's shortened period led to many schools struggling to process applications and source teachers in time. Despite the Department of Education initially stating there was no evidence the timeline change impacted applications, political pressure, including from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty, highlighted the distress caused to families.

In 2020, 545 schools and nearly 23,000 children participated, growing to over 1,800 schools and almost 71,000 children last year. Harris acknowledged the busy period for schools and the increased applications this year, emphasizing the importance of ensuring all eligible children receive this vital support.